John Edward Roberts

John Edward Roberts, age 83, passed away peacefully in the Stanley Tippett Home in Needham, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 19, 1935, he was the son of the late Paul and Margaret (Bowles) Roberts. He was raised in the Mission Hill section of Boston, attending Mission Grammar School before attending Mission High School and graduating from Boston Commerce High School. As the oldest child in the family, he helped care for his brothers while his father was away in the Merchant Marines. After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country as a tank mechanic, stationed in Germany and Beirut, Lebanon. Upon his return home from the Army, John worked several jobs before taking a position with the United States Postal Service in 1962, primarily working out of the Roslindale Post Office.

John met his soon to be wife, Frances Mary McLellan, on a blind date, set up by close friends in 1963. They were married on May 15, 1965 in Mission Church in Boston and made their home together in Dorchester, where they welcomed their three children, John, Michael, and Amy. John continued working at the Post Office and began taking classes at Newbury College, earning his Associates Degree in 1974. He and Frances settled in Walpole in 1996 and John retired in 1999 after 40 years, delivering mail to homes in Wellesley and later Roslindale.

In his off time, John was an avid Boston Sports fan, always following the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox. In his younger years, he played football in the Park League, holding the positions of full back and nose tackle, and was always be up for a baseball game. John certainly knew his way around the kitchen, making the best spaghetti, roast beef, and fried chicken for his family to enjoy. He enjoyed his quiet time too, spending countless hours reading or catching up on the latest episode of Jeopardy. More than anything, John was a dedicated family man, who always made those closest to him feel loved with one of his wonderful hugs. He supported his children through all of their athletic events and usually volunteered to drive the teams wherever they needed to go. John was delighted at the birth of his grandchildren, spending as much time as he could with each one of them. He will forever be remembered as a man of great faith and a devoted member of the Water's Church in Norwood, who's sense of humor made him loved by all.

Beloved husband of Frances M. (McLellan) Roberts.
Loving father of John F. Roberts and his wife Erin of Hubbardston, Michael F. Roberts and Krissy of Norwell and Amy C. Rowan and her husband Daniel of Reno, NV.
Cherished grandfather of Olivia Roberts, Jack Roberts, Michael Roberts, Sarah Roberts, Madison Rowan, Aidan Rowan, and Holden Rowan.
Brother of Paul Roberts and his wife Susan of Boston and James Roberts and his wife Jayne of Quincy.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John's Life Celebration in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common St., Walpole on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 4 to 7 PM. A funeral service will be held in the Living Waters Christian Church, 668 Walpole St., Norwood on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment in the Mass National Cemetery in Bourne. Memorial donations may be made to: Stanley Tippett House, 920 South St., Needham, MA 02492.